Want a new PC but hate current prices? Here's 5 smart ways to build or buy for less

1. Buy existing PC stock

It’s still possible to buy high performing pre-built PCs (as opposed to custom builds) that were put together before the price of RAM soared to bank-busting heights.

In fact, this route is considered to be the most cost effective way to beat RAMageddon, allowing you to pick up powerful systems such as the best gaming PCs at pre-crisis prices. It’s certainly cheaper than purchasing your own components individually.

You will need to be quick, however. There’s only a finite number of these systems stacked up in various warehouses and when stocks are exhausted, new machines are going to be created using higher-priced RAM purchased on the open market.

There’s no knowing how much you’ll end up paying at that point so identify the kind of machine you need and see if you can find a bargain today.

2. Opt for a refurbished PC

The refurb market has continued to grow and it’s more sophisticated today than it’s ever been. Big computer manufacturers such as Apple, Dell and Lenovo offer machines that have been cleaned, fully tested and repaired with genuine parts where necessary.

With most companies, you’ll also get a warranty for peace of mind as well as free shipping and the benefit of a return policy.

It’s certainly a far cry from the second-hand markets of old and because you’re purchasing ready-made machines, there are significant savings to be had. If you don’t mind a few cosmetic blemishes, you’ll also find some companies have even greater reductions.

By purchasing a refurb and extending the life of a computer, you’re also doing your bit for the environment, helping to reduce e-waste. In that sense, there’s little to lose and a lot to gain, more so given that you’re likely to find very capable machines with 16GB of RAM or more — something that’s becoming pricey when purchased new.

Just make sure the machine can run Windows 11 and perhaps draw up a list of desired processors, storage space, graphics card, ports, and the like.

3. Upgrade your existing PC

You may be able to squeeze more life out of your existing set up by swapping out components other than RAM. A faster processor with more cores, for example, will enhance your machine’s performance, making lighter work of multitasking and dealing more efficiently with 4K video rendering, to name but two benefits.

Learning how to upgrade a CPU isn’t as difficult as you may imagine (we’re focusing on PCs here, rather than Macs, by the way — you can’t change the processor in most modern Macs).

You just need to ensure the CPU will fit your existing motherboard’s socket type which you can check at websites such as PC Part Picker and flash the motherboard’s BIOS to the latest version.

It’s also possible to replace your PC GPU. This will boost gaming performance, ensure creative apps run more smoothly and potentially give you access to the latest technologies such as AI upscaling.

I'd recommend checking out the best graphics cards but bear in mind that their prices have also been affected by RAMageddon. Finding a GPU at retail price is a near impossible task, but there are ways to avoid the RAMaggeddon markup.

4. Buy new with upgrade potential

If you decide to custom-make a PC or want the latest technology in your machine, build in an upgrade path. By that, ensure there are free slots for RAM, storage and extension cards, meaning you can buy what is necessary today and upgrade later if and when prices fall.

Going down this path means you’ll have a core machine that should last longer and prove more cost-effective in the long run, better adapting to your growing needs. The only downside is that you may have to wait a while to bring that machine up to speed, given that no-one really knows the current crisis will subside.

It’s entirely possible that DRAM beign in short supply becomes the new normal.

5. Use DDR4 memory

There are also cheaper ways of buying memory. Rather than opt for cutting edge DDR5 memory sticks, you could buy less expensive DDR4 instead.

Sure, DDR4 has been around since 2014 and DDR5 doubles the bandwidth and capacity, but you’re paying for that benefit and you may find that you don’t actually need the extra speed.

Indeed, more and more people are using DDR4 for their machines and, as we’ve discovered, it’s possible to use the older memory standard in powerful gaming PCs so it doesn’t have to be a huge compromise. That said, you will be restricted to using older CPUs and DDR4 RAM won’t fit in a DDR5 motherboard.

But grab hold of an LGA 1700 board for Intel or a board with the AM4 socket for AMD and you can get building. Aim for 32GB worth of 3600MHz CL16 or CL18 DDR4 and check out the best kits to beat the RAM crisis.